Spark plug change problem/question

[DMan]

OK, got the Corsa on, and the K&N FIPK, so today I figured I'd put in the XP985's. I started on the driver side and popped out 2 plugs & swapped, piece of cake, got to the plug on the drivers side closest to the firewall & i can't seem to get it out. It's like my socket isn't grabbing the nut on the plug or something, seems like a super easy access, but after trying to get it for 15 mins I had to give up, and put the stock plugs back all around. Could I have a stripped plug from the factory or something, anyone else hear of this??

Thanks,

Dave.

 

[black mamba1]

Ask Chuck Tator about this. He is my Viper tech and one of the best (if not the best) in the business.

tatorsdodge@msn.com

 

[Racer Robbie]

OK, got the Corsa on, and the K&N FIPK, so today I figured I'd put in the XP985's. I started on the driver side and popped out 2 plugs & swapped, piece of cake, got to the plug on the drivers side closest to the firewall & i can't seem to get it out. It's like my socket isn't grabbing the nut on the plug or something, seems like a super easy access, but after trying to get it for 15 mins I had to give up, and put the stock plugs back all around. Could I have a stripped plug from the factory or something, anyone else hear of this??

Thanks,

Dave.

David, your problem is a very common one. it is caused by the heat shields that go around the spark plugs. they tend to move around as they go through their heat and cool cycles. First off make sure you are using a dedicated thin wall swivel spark plug socket. You can but these from Snap-On or Mac Tools. If you can not push the socket onto the plug then take a long thin flat blade screwdriver and carefully pry away the heat shields around the spark plug and then your socket will fall into place. Be sure to coat the new Autolite XP985 plugs with hi temperature neversieze and torque them to 20 ft/lbs (27 Nm). DO NOT RE-GAP these type plugs.

Robbie
AtRo Racing Products

 

[DMan]

RR,

That sounds like it, I'm using a regular spark plug socket I've had forever, and I was wondering about the shield, I was looking it over to see if it could be an issue & it sounds like that's the problem. I'll follow your advice & see. Thanks!

Dave.

 

[Racer Robbie]

Dave, you are quite welcome. Let everyone here know how you make out. You can also grind down your existing socket to make it thinner.

Robbie

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

Cold block always...stone cold.

 

[Tom Sessions]

The heat sheild pulls right out not much holding them in on the 8.3 motor.You will most likely find a small piece of debris beside the spark plug keping the socket from going all the way down on the plug.Mos of the time you can use compressed air to blow all debris away or you may have to use a small pick to free it .Hope this helps